WhatsApp account takes over- is WhatsApp really that safe?

WhatsApp is by far one of the best messaging applications available in the market. From being quirky and fast to share media files, documents, and even money transfers, WhatsApp has you covered. Apart from being an all-rounder, it is also “end to end encrypted”, due to which it is ranked as a super safe messaging application. End to end encryption ensures that WhatsApp in itself is granting privacy to the users regarding their conversation. Any messages, media files, documents etc. cannot be shared or sold to third-party applications.

WhatsApp breach- hackers find their way into user accounts

It is surprising how hackers have figured out a way to take over user accounts. This is mainly being done in two ways; sharing a media file which when clicked on allows the hacker to gain access over user account conversations, images, and contacts. The other is sending a false message which holds a link that asks the user to verify their phone or to join false groups. Once the link is clicked upon, it sends the user a code which if he/she shares with the hacker -who are usually disguised in the form of a friend contact, the user’s account is overtaken as well. This is a chain formed by hackers who overtake one account and then send messages which contain media/links to all contacts of the person’s account they have hacked.

Two-factor authentication

An efficient and practical way of increasing your WhatsApp accounts’ security is to turn on the two-factor authentication. This ensures that each time a user registers their number with WhatsApp they will be required to enter a six-digit passcode. The passcode will not be sent through text rather the user is required to remember it. The application asks the user to input the pin every seven days as a reminder. In case the user forgets the passcode a backup email is required where WhatsApp sends the pin for the user to recover the account.

Two-factor authentication can be turned on by going to settings>account>two step authentication and then enable.

Nur ul ain Chaudhry is a LUMS Economics and Politics graduate who takes keen interest in tech blogging and tech news. Her forte are interbrand comparisons and reviews and startups/kickstarter stories and ideas.

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